AI could outperform 90% of coders in six months: Zoho's Sridhar Vembu

At TechSparks 2026, Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu spoke about the rapid evolution of AI in software creation, suggesting that within six months, AI could outperform 90% of coders. He framed this development not as a crisis but as an opportunity for rethinking the role of human labor in the industry. Vembu emphasized the importance of adapting to AI’s growing capabilities while maintaining a focus on technological ownership and self-reliance.

Vembu highlighted that AI is already capable of writing better code than at least 60-70% of software engineers. He argued that the rise of AI in coding is not a threat but a call to action for India to invest in its own technological infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign intellectual property. His remarks were delivered at the event in Bengaluru, where he urged the nation to embrace AI as a tool for progress.

According to Vembu, AI’s ability to outperform coders is not a distant possibility but a near-term reality. He cited the rapid pace of AI development and its potential to revolutionize the software industry. Vembu also noted that while AI may take over routine coding tasks, it will create new opportunities for human workers to focus on higher-level problem-solving and innovation.

In India, the implications of AI’s growing coding capabilities are significant. With a large pool of software developers, the country could face a shift in the job market as AI takes over routine coding tasks. However, Vembu suggested that this could also drive a focus on innovation, hardware development, and self-reliance, reducing dependence on foreign IP. Indian builders may need to adapt their strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

The future of AI in coding remains uncertain, but Vembu’s remarks at TechSparks 2026 suggest that the industry is on the cusp of a major transformation. As AI continues to advance, the challenge for developers and companies will be to find new roles for human workers while leveraging AI’s strengths. This shift will require careful planning and investment in both technology and human capital.